The discharge of ions during electrolysis can be influenced by the types of electrodes used. Some electrodes are inert (do not take part in electrolytic reaction) while other electrodes are reactive (which may influence the ionic discharge). Platinum or carbon electrodes are examples of inert electrodes.

One example of reactive electrodes changing the ionic discharge will be the electrolysis of Copper (II) sulphate using copper electrodes.

Recall: If the electrolysis of copper (II) sulphate is done using carbon electrodes, oxygen is released at the anode and copper is deposited at the cathode.